Physical Model Studies of Wave-Induced Loading on Exposed Jetties: Towards New Prediction Formulae

Within a research project on Exposed Jetties, a series of physical model studies has measured wave-induced loading on a model of an open-piled jetty structure. These measurements gave a series of force and pressure data on selected structural elements of the model jetty, covering a wide range of wave conditions and deck geometries. Initial analysis of these new data revealed inconsistencies and gaps in methods previously used to predict wave-induced loading on jetty structures and provided the basis for new guidance for their hydraulic design. A series of dimensionless variables has been found for horizontal and vertical forces (and pressures) on beam elements and deck slabs. Dimensionless relationships are presented for selected configurations and structure elements to provide consistent engineering guidance for wave loading on exposed (open piled) jetties.